A Chronological Overview Of U.M.T.A. 1955-2008

taken from Utah Music Teachers Association Through the Years, 50 year history compiled for UMTA’s 50th Anniversary,by Coila Robinson and Lezlee Bishop, published 2006.

All musical people seem to be happy; it is to them the engrossing pursuit, almost the only innocent and unpunished passion. – Sydney Smith, (Southwest Division/UMTA Convention, February, 5-7, 1982 program

The first invitation sent to several hundred music teachers on the Wasatch Front; original size: 4 ¾ x 3 7/8 inches.

1955 – 1957 UMTA President: J. Ellwood Jepson The first president of Utah MTA is elected in a formal organizational meeting October 16, 1955, in Salt Lake City. Other officers are Jessie M. Perry, Vice President; Alta Garner, Secretary; and Grace N. Wright, Treasurer. After adopting a sample constitution, 2 Executive Committee members are added: Beverly S. Pond, and Grace Whipple. During that first year, dinner meetings with programs and discussions are held. UMTA becomes affiliated with MTNA, Music Teachers National Association in the Spring of 1956, with 41 members. The Utah Music Teachers Association holds its first convention that same year, in conjunction with the Utah Educators Association (UEA), held at Horace Mann Junior High

Auditorium, with presentations by Wm C. Hogenson, Ralph Laycock, J. Spencer Cornwall, Mary Sanks, and J. Elwood Jepson.

Helen Rabe, Ogden Chapter, writes in 2005: “J. Elwood Jeppson was one of the founding members of UMTA and was also my Elementary and Junior High School music teacher. He held fund-raisers and personally contributed money to buy instruments for the music program and Plymouth Elementary School. We had music instruction beginning in the third grade that continued until the ninth grade. The orchestra included all the instruments. I learned the cello in the third grade. Mr. Jeppson had a mal-formed back perhaps from a disease of some kind and had to wear a back brace to function. You might consider him a cripple. That did not stop his piano playing nor his attention to the music program of the school. He promoted the music program big-time and many, many, students benefited from his dedication. The training I received has lead to a life-long commitment to music.”

1957 – 1961 UMTA President: Jessie M. Perry Jessie M. Perry becomes president of UMTA, due to Mr. Jepson’s poor health. Annual dues for active teachers in the association are $7.00; student teacher’s dues are $3.00. Other officers include Grace N. Wright, Vice President; Nellie K DeVroom, Secretary; and James Pingree, Treasurer. Salt Lake Chapter organizes in January of 1957, and covers the state. The 1957 state convention is held at the University of Utah, with 73 members statewide, and the one day convention is free of charge. The first joint-teacher chapter recital is held at Clark Music Company Recital Hall on First South in Salt Lake City. In 1958 President Perry urges teachers to form local chapters in their own areas. National conventions are held regionally and occur every other year, the Western Division Convention of MTNA is held in Missoula, Montana, in July, 1958. No state convention is held in 1958. The 1959 state convention is held for one day in September at the University of Utah with Dr. Helen Folland as the main piano workshop presenter. More “teacher clubs” form in the Salt Lake City and Davis areas, as well as Logan, Alpine, Ogden, and Tooele. State membership is up to 60 members. The 3rd annual Piano workshop and 1961 convention featuring Mr. Fredric Dixon, Gladys Gladstone Rosenberg, and Dr. Oscar Wagner, is held in the University of Utah music hall. Student-affiliate chapters are formed for students in school and who are engaged in teaching. Membership fees raises to $12.00 in 1961, $6 for national, $3 for state, and $1 for chapters, as well as a $2 recital fee in some chapters.

1962 – 1964 UMTA President: Alpha H. Bolton Alpha Bolton is instrumental in welcoming and hosting the 6th biennial MTNA Western Division Convention held in Salt Lake City, in July of 1962 at the University of Utah. The Utah County chapter (later called Provo-Orem) organized earlier that year in the spring. In the Salt Lake area, the local chapter sponsors a panel discussion to educate parents of all music students on how to help their children get a good music education. This session is advertised, and open to the general public. The first Certification examinations, including oral, written, and performance work, are held by the UMTA certification board at the University of Utah in July of 1963. State convention is held in August, 1963, with Leonard Posner and William S. Newman conducting master classes and lecture demonstrations on the violin, chamber music, and piano, assisted by Gladys Gladstone. This is the first year that music business exhibits at convention are mentioned. An August 8, 1963, newspaper article states that Americans own more than 38 million instruments and have an interest in music making that supports 48,000 school bands, 15,000 school orchestras, 6.000 high school stage bands, 1,200 community bands and orchestras, 1,600 industrial music groups, as well as countless neighborhood combos.

1964 – 1968 UMTA President: Beulah B. Ford As a new president of UMTA, Beulah Ford has a total of 19 member-teachers who were state-certified by April of 1964, with 7 more by December of that same year. State MTNA auditions are held in June for both high school piano and strings, with one winner to be selected in each area. Performance requirements include a baroque or classical selection, a required romantic concerto movement, and on contemporary American composition, as well as passing a theory and sight reading test. The Western division convention of MTNA is held in Moscow, Idaho. Alpha Bolton and President Beulah Ford conduct a 6- week course in Piano Pedagogy and Teaching Materials for interested teachers. President Ford and others implement the Student Achievement testing program (revised in early 1990’s to AIM), with 150 students of accredited teachers completing their testing in the spring of 1965. President Ford suggests the testing program as a means of promoting continual study and regular attendance at lessons through a definite period of time, as well as to encourage the student to maintain a steady and conscientious standard of effort. MTNA National convention is held in Dallas, Texas, in April of 1965. A July, 1965, State convention features Robert Dumm, Newell Weight, and William Foxley as presenters, as well as the first printing of a state roster and convention program booklet. Business advertisers in the booklet included: Beesley Music, Ingles Bountiful Music, Piano Technicians Guild, Harris Piano Shop and Music Center, Murray Music Company, Hart Brothers’ Music, Music City and Ralph M. Barrus Pianos. A Life membership in MTNA is available for $100.00 and new chapters are formed in Sanpete and Southern Utah County. Baldwin Keyboard Auditions are begun for Junior High school age (7, 8, 9 grades) performers in each division of MTNA.

1966 – 1970 UMTA President: Lucille B. Swenson President Swenson oversees the formation of several “Cadet-Teacher” (Student) chapters organizing in Bountiful and Salt Lake City. In April of 1966, a Haydn Mozart and Beethoven Festival is sponsored by UMTA at BYU, with 45 high school and college student performances of the Masters, as well as lectures on musical style and composers. More UMTA State Accredited Teacher Exams are held, with written examinations in the morning, with performance, oral, and student demonstrations in the afternoon. At the time of the July, 1967, UMTA State Convention there are 7 chapters in the state, with 150 teacher members and 100 student members. Adele Marcus, Betty Jeanne Chipman and Percy Kalt are guest artists and lecturers. There are 39 accredited teachers statewide at this time. A copy of the UMTA/MTNA Constitution and Bylaws-Code of Ethics is given to each member, and the MTNA Auditions (competitions) are to be held every other year and open to high school and college level vocalists as well as pianists and string players. In May of 1968, a combination Workshop, Business Meeting and Banquet with Fern Nolte Davidson, of Idaho, is held at the Hotel Utah for two days. A Luncheon is held for state and chapter officers, and an evening awards banquet includes honoring newly certified and re-certified teachers, as well as a Teacher of the Year. State Conventions become an annual event in Utah as of this year. Lucille would prepare and present a concert of her own performance. Some chapters start their own newsletters to disseminate information on upcoming meetings while auditions are held in each chapter throughout the state to select students for the junior/high school/college division concerts to be held during state convention in May, with 8 minutes allowed per chapter. The 1969 UMTA state convention is held in conjunction with the Utah String Teachers Association (ASTA) at the Hotel Utah; the convention theme is “Music Uplifts, Stimulates, and Inspires” with an address by Celia Mae Bryant, first woman president of MTNA, and sessions by Reginald Stewart, pianist and guest artist. Other presenters include Irving Wassermann, who plays during one of the general sessions; J. J. Keeler on organ, and string instrumentalists Audrey Bush, David Freed, and Warren Burton. Eight chapter presidents give reports at convention representing Box Elder, Logan, Ogden, Salt Lake, Sanpete, South Davis, Timpanogos, and Utah chapters. Four different classifications of Certified Teacher are in use, with most of the UMTA-certified teachers having certified nationally as well.

State Officers include: Alta Blood, Vice President; Margene Knowlton, Secretary; Alpha Bolton, Treasurer; other board members are Beulah Ford, Ruth Mitchell, Grace Mitchell, William Foxley, Janet H. Thompson, and Beverly T. Nelson.

1970 – 1974 UMTA President: William M. Foxley MTNA national conventions change from biennially to annually. The last Western Division convention is held in Montana. A one-day UMTA convention is held at the Hotel Utah in May, 1970. Thomas Richner is the guest artist and lecturer. A recital is held featuring Student Audition winners of collegiate, high school and junior high age in piano, voice, strings and organ. Former UMTA president Alpha Bolton now serves as MTNA’s Western Division president and President Foxley writes a series of articles for the Utah Music Teacher state newsletter, the first entitled, “The Role of the Private Music Teacher in a Changing World.” State Board meetings were held on Monday nights and group subscriptions to music magazines are begun by various chapters throughout the state. A new Southwest Division of MTNA-UMTA convention is held in February, 1971, at BYU, and includes the states of Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California, New Mexico and Hawaii, and exists to this day. Many Utahns are on the Board of Southwest Division, as well as serving as convention lecturers and performers. New chapters organize in Eastern Utah (Price), St. George and Cedar City. Three student winners of the MTNA Southwest Division auditions present a benefit recital to help finance their travel to MTNA national auditions in Chicago, one of these students is Lenora Ford Neal (now Lenora Ford Brown, of Davis Chapter, and University of Utah faculty). A state board meeting decision is made to organize student chapters through the colleges and universities in Utah. After this move, few students, or “cadet teachers,” were listed in regular chapter rosters. The Vernal-Uintah Basin chapter is listed in the state directory. The 1972 State convention is held in June, at Brigham Young University, with guest artist pianist Ruth Slencynska; also Robert Cundick, Kathryn Kienke, and Newell Weight. The MTNA Composition Competition also begins this year, “Entries may be composed for any medium not requiring more than ten performers, but may not exceed ten minutes.” During this year, the Student Achievement program becomes available to all UMTA teachers, whether they are accredited (certified) or not. The Millard Chapter of UMTA is formed in the Delta area at this time as well. A one-day UMTA Convention and Workshop is held at the University of Utah in February of 1973, with Ylda Novic, pianist; other lecture demonstrations are also held. UMTA/MTNA Auditions are held at Utah State University in November of 1973, with collegiate piano winner, Gary Amano (now member of Northern Chapter, and Director of Piano Studies at Utah State University faculty). Dr. Foxley also served as editor of Music Educator’s Association newsletter, and for $50, UMTA newsletter would be included in their magazine, with a separate color of pages for the UMTA portion, mailed 3 or 4 times a year. Convention brochures would be mailed out separately. State officers include: Grace Williams, Vice President; Paul Pollei, 2nd Vice President; Beverly Nelson, Secretary; Kathryn Brough, Treasurer; Lucile Swenson, Immediate Past President; other board members are Anna Jean Skidmore and Elaine Hadfield.

1974 – 1976 UMTA President: Beverly D. Adams President Adams presides over a UMTA Convention and workshop at Westminster College in June, 1974, featuring Paul Pollei as guest speaker and performer. The state directory and convention booklet are printed together for the first time and plans are made to start a student chapter at Brigham Young University with the help of Drs. Reid Nibley and Robert Smith. Members are encouraged to contribute to the MTNA Scholarship Fund to assist in travel expenses for student winners as well as other awards. Many new divisions and instruments had been added to the MTNA Auditions by this time, “making the Association truly one of musicians and not just pianists.” In the state of Utah, violin requirements for Student Achievement are nearing completion in an effort to

broaden the testing program. UMTA State Board meetings are held at Westminster College on the first Wednesday evening of every month. UMTA/MTNA Auditions are held at Weber State College in Ogden, February, 1975. Southwest Division Conference is held at Albuquerque, New Mexico. A benefit concert is given by 3 of the 4 Southwest Division Winners from Utah to raise funds to travel to National, all piano students of Gladys Gladstone. The 1975 MTNA National Convention is held in April, in Denver, Colorado. College credits could be earned by paying a fee, attending all three days of sessions, and submitting a written critique of convention sessions attended. In May, 1975, the national office of MTNA starts mailing renewal notices to all members. Dues are $16.00 for adult members, with a late fee of $3.00 for payment after October 15. A 3 day state convention is held at BYU, with Dorothy Bishop as guest lecturer. Two hours of credit are available from BYU for attendance with an extra fee and completion of a short project. Fifty students participate in the state UMTA/MTNA Auditions, requiring 14 judges to adjudicate; Franklin Eddings serves as Auditions chair. Also, the Student Achievement handbook becomes available for a price of just $3.50.

1976 – 1978 UMTA President: Charles A. Smith President Smith and his state board host the MTNA Southwest Division Auditions in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah, and March 4, 1976 is proclaimed the official “MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS DAY.” Total membership of UMTA at that time totals 265: 228 adults, 5 students, and 32 student affiliates at BYU. MTNA celebrates its 100th birthday at the national convention held in Dallas, Texas. Kurt Bestor (trumpet), Christopher Giles (piano), and Steve Meredith (voice) represent Utah and Southwest Division in MTNA’s national competition. There are 2500 Certified teachers in the MTNA organization. A one-day convention is held at the University First Stake Building, University of Utah campus, with speakers including Solveig Madsen, Percy Kalt, Clay Christiansen, and Margaret Van Ormen. A State Student Achievement Honor Recital is held. In local news, the Salt Lake Chapter has joint meetings of piano and string teachers, splitting into two sessions after the luncheon and business are concluded and the UMTA state newsletters are sent out every month. An official logo contest for UMTA is held: Dora Curtis, NCTM, Ogden Chapter, creates the winning design. Eleven chapters are listed in the UMTA Membership roster: Davis, Eastern, Millard, Nebo, Northern, Ogden, Roosevelt, Salt Lake, Sanpete, Timpanogos, and Utah County. Also, the State Student Achievement committee is expanded to handle the workload with hundreds of students participating in the testing program statewide. Southwest Division Conference is held in conjunction with the MTNA Northwest Division in Honolulu, Hawaii. Local chapter dues are raised to $5.00, the state stays at $3.00, and National at $12.00, for a total of $20.00 for membership. UMTA/MTNA state auditions are held at U.S.U. where the Collegiate piano winner is Mack Wilberg, a student of Paul Pollei.

1978 – 1980 UMTA President: Janet H. Thompson As a new UMTA president, Janet Thompson sees 78 teachers enroll for a 15 week Piano Pedagogy course with Paul Pollei as instructor. The Southwest division auditions are held in Tempe, Arizona, and a one dollar per member donation from each state is to be used in a Student Travel Fund to aid division winners in their travel costs to the national competition. At the national competition, Gladys Gladstone’s students, Barlow Bradford and Mary Watanabe, are among top finishers in the National Young Artist Competition. Beulah Ford is elected 1st Vice President of the Southwest Division of MTNA and in June of 1978, the UMTA Convention is held at Hotel Utah, with guest clinician Isabelle Yalkovsky Byman; other presenters are Gary Amano, and Dr. Mildred Johnson, U.S.U. musicologist. Utah County chapter becomes Provo-Orem chapter and UMTA newsletters are to be published bi-monthly instead of monthly. Forty seven students compete in the State Auditions held at the University of Utah in November of 1978. The Southern Chapter of UMTA is formed, consisting of Cedar City, St. George and surrounding areas.

Southwest Division Conference is held in Long Beach, California, in February of 1979. Beulah Ford becomes President of the Southwest Division of MTNA. At this time a major change is made, as the UMTA State convention is held in the fall instead of the summer. UMTA, in cooperation with The National Piano Foundation presents the annual State Convention on November 9-10, 1979, at the Union Building Auditorium, University of Utah, Salt Lake City. Guest clinician is Daniel Pollack, sponsored by NPF. Tom O’Brien, President of Northwest Division of MTNA, attends, as does Beulah Ford, Southwest Division of MTNA. Other clinicians include Naomi and Lowell Farr, Dianne Hardy, Ron Richardson, and Dr. Mildred Johnson. Full page advertisements in the convention booklet are purchased by Daynes Music, Beesley Music Company, and Hart Bros. Music Company, Inc. Other ads, business card size, are purchased by various members of UMTA, as well as chapter greetings and listings of members from Salt Lake and Davis Chapters. The annual Performance Competition takes place on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU, Provo. A benefit recital is given at St. Mark’s Cathedral, Salt Lake City, featuring the winners of the annual Utah Music Teachers Association Competition, with proceeds to help finance the students’ journey to regional competition in Albuquerque, N.M. (Recital on a Saturday – no date given)

1980 – 1982 UMTA President: Karen J. Gygi President Gygi begins her term in May of 1980 and feels strongly about teachers become certified. She and her state board encourage teachers to participate in Student Achievement. She makes several close friends through her membership in UMTA, and feels grateful for the wonderfully strong state board she has as president. She later serves as Southwest Division president. Other events during this time: the MTNA National Convention is held in Washington, D.C. in March of 1980. The 1980 UMTA Conference is held November 7-8, at University of Utah’s Union Building, with guest clinician, Robert Dumm, Professor of Piano Pedagogy at the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.; with other presentations delivered by Solveig Madsen, Carolee Eriksson, Merrill Bradshaw, and David Wolfe. Dr. Warren Burton, chairman, Music Department, Utah State University is the guest artist at the banquet. UMTA Audition winners are featured at the Friday evening banquet, and Saturday morning and afternoon performance sessions. Margene Knowlton, Davis Chapter, chairs the convention. In addition, a Student Achievement program for flute is put in place by Susan Goodfellow in 1980. The UMTA/MTNA State Auditions are held at Weber State College in the Browning Auditorium and the Southwest Division Auditions are held in Las Vegas, Nevada, in March, 1981. National winners include Utah’s 14 yr. old Mary Watanabe, MTNA Baldwin Junior Keyboard Achievement Award, a student of Gladys Gladstone. Also the 1980-1981 MTNA Baldwin Junior Keyboard Achievement Award is won by Karlyn Bond, student of Gladys Gladstone. Later that fall, the 1981 UMTA MTNA state auditions are held at Utah State University with Gary Amano as chairman. The 1982 Southwest Division Convention and Auditions are held in Salt Lake City at the Salt Lake Hilton and University of Utah, February, 5-7, 1982. Eduardo Delgado presents a solo recital on Friday evening, and a master class on Saturday, as well as a presentation on Ginastera. Jean Barr, Arizona State University and an official MTNA accompanist, presents “Sight Reading is Essential” and “An Accompanying Master Class.” The convention program cover features a skier, with the theme, “Ski Country.” Membership dues go to $28.00 and a state Student Achievement Honors Recital is held at the Salt Lake Public Library. State Board Officers include: Iris Moon, Vice President; Cleo Brimhall, Vice President; Eileen Sherren, Secretary; Helen Rabe, Treasurer; Dora Curtis, Ass’t Treasurer – Membership; Janet Thompson, Immediate Past President; with other board members, Dorothy Bunnell, Norma Foxley, Phoebe Starr, Sarah C. Thomas, Linda Wildman, Bernice Williams.

1982 – 1984 UMTA President: Iris H. Moon President Moon enjoys her membership in UMTA: it has done a lot for her, and introduced her to many dear friends. While she is president, the Student Achievement program is improved. She has lots of fun with a wonderful board to work with, and always enjoys her association with other teachers. She remembers when Karen Gygi brought her the new state constitution she had been working on for President Moon’s approval. It was on lovely parchment paper, and looked just beautiful. Despite this, Iris strongly stated that she really wanted a third vice-president to be in charge of Student Achievement, and couldn’t Karen do the Constitution over again and put that in this time? Karen was not too happy about it, but complied! Regions and chapters of UMTA are established: Region 1 North, including chapters of Bear River, Davis, Northern, Ogden, and Weber College Student Chapter; Region 2 Salt Lake includes Salt Lake and University of Utah student Chapters; Region 3 Central includes BYU student chapter, Nebo, Provo-Orem, Timpanogos; Region 4 East includes Eastern, Emery, Roosevelt, and Vernal chapters. Region 5 South includes Millard chapter, San Pete, Sevier and Southern chapters. Kevin Olson, the National PTA Reflections contest winner, is the son of Cindy Olson, and student of Solveig Madsen, members of UMTA. In 1982 the UMTA State convention was held on November 19- 20 at the Hilton Hotel in Salt Lake City, with featured presenter Nelita True from the University of Maryland. Fifteen chapters and 4 student chapters are listed in the program. In 1983 the UMTA state conference is held at the Hilton Hotel, Salt Lake City, with guest clinician, Amanda Vick Lethco. Other presenters include Jay L. Beck and Virginia Tom (of Hawaii). Honorary Certificates are presented to Dr. Paul C. Pollei and Helen Shaw at the luncheon. Student performers include: Eugene Watanabe, UMTA Baldwin Junior Keyboard winner (Gary Amano, teacher) and Matthew L. Faerber, College Audition Winner (Lennox Larsen, teacher). Professor Gary Amano performs the UTMA Commissioned Work, Sonata for Piano, written by Marden Pond at the banquet. Recital is given by Lenora Ford Neal following the banquet. Convention Coordinator of the one-day convention is Margene Knowlton of Davis chapter. The 1983-84 MTNA Southwest Division composition Winner is “Rhapsodie,” written by Rebecca Ann Blackburn, a student of Franklin Eddings, Davis Chapter. State Officers include: Carol Gregerson, Vice President; Jay L. Beck, Vice President; Margene Knowlton, Vice President; Beverly T. Nelson, Treasurer; Elaine S. Holbrook, Associate Reasurer, Lynette Morrill, Secretary; Joyce Benard, Corresponding Secretary, and Karen Gygi, Immediate Past President.

In 2001, those who served as President of UMTA from 1984 to 2001 were asked to summarize their feelings about their tenure as president, and the way that they feel they and their state board members helped in creating the organization that was developing into the organization that we know now. Julee Stewart, Salt Lake Chapter, compiled the information 1984-2001 for a chronology prepared for 2001 State Conference.

1984 – 1988 UMTA President: Jay L. Beck “I worked as the UMTA president for two terms--a total of four years. It was so enjoyable. We met for our meetings in the Mountain Fuel building in downtown Salt Lake City. We learned from some very experienced teachers in our state. Our young performers led the nation in excellence. I tried to visit every chapter throughout the entire state. Our membership grew by one or two hundred members --I am not sure the number, but I know that we grew immensely. Our conventions were fantastic. We prepared for the national MTNA convention that was held in Salt Lake City. We were a solid group of friends and colleagues. "Experienced members carried on the programs to make the time a great success. I learned a great amount of appreciation and regard for fellow teachers who are dedicated, capable, and are skilled at helping students learn and act as true musicians." - Jay Beck

Changes made during President Beck’s administration – The membership directory is initiated during this time and UMTA membership grew by 200 members and several new chapters are formed and added to the UMTA MTNA family. He felt there was an increase in morale and an enthusiasm for music teaching as a viable profession during his tenure. Planning for the national convention in Salt Lake City in 1988 was a major undertaking and challenge. 1984 The 1984-1985 Directory includes activities and membership of the organization. The convention begins on Friday evening with the Utah Symphony, Joseph Silverstein, conducting, and Andre-Michel Schub playing Piano Concerto No. 3 by Bartok, Symphonic Variations for Piano and Orchestra by Franck, and Piano Concerto No. 3 by Sibelius. Conference activities on Saturday at the Sheraton Hotel include lecture recitals by David Glenn Hatch, and Andre-Michel Schub and the Deseret Quartet. The Recital that evening features recent Bachauer gold medalist David Buechner. Sunday features an evening recital of the 84-85 UMTA Auditions at Steinway Hall, Daynes Music (Main Street, SLC). 1985 UMTA composition winners for Elementary and Junior High Divisions are Sarah Blackburn and Rebecca Blackburn and the Southwest Division Auditions are held Feb 1-3, 1985, at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. April 14-15, 1985 -National Auditions are held at Hyatt Regency Dearborn, Detroit, Michigan. State officers include: Beverly Jensen, Vice President/State Auditions; Paul Pollei Vice President/Convention; Cheryl Norman, Treasurer and Membership Chair; Joyce Benard Secretary, Immediate Past President. Other board members include: Dianne Hardy, Barbara Middleton, Carolee Eriksson, Lynette Morrill, Nancy Lamb, Susan Russell.

1988 – 1990 UMTA President: Beverly T. Nelson, NCTM During Beverly Nelson’s presidency, “Students came to conventions at no charge and we began the 3rd printing of the Student Achievement Guide which would later become AIM.” Beverly says she had great officers and board members that contributed to the organization’s success. There is great participation at conventions and board meetings. “Behind the scenes is always a circus (The Greatest Show on Earth). UMTA is a great organization and has taught me so much. I will always treasure the years I served as President.” – Beverly T. Nelson

In the spring of 1988, the MTNA National Conference is held at the Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, with Maestro Maurice Abravanel, Musical Director of the Utah Symphony giving the keynote address. Mack Wilberg directed a BYU choir in a session, performing, among other pieces, “Cindy,” which would become a choral favorite with 16 voice parts! Board members at the time included, Jenny Bennett, President Elect; Bernice H. Williams, Vice President – Student Achievement; Jeffrey Shumway Vice President – Auditions; Margene Knowlton, Vice President – Convention; Joyce Benard, Treasurer/ Membership; Judy Lee, Recording Secretary; and Janet H. Thompson, Corresponding Secretary. The 1988 UMTA Convention is held October 27-28, at several sites in Provo: BYU Harmon Center; BYU Harris Fine Arts Building, and the Excelsior Hotel, with Xiang-dong Kong, student of Paul Pollei and winner of the 1988 Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition as guest artist, with the American Piano Quartet performing Thursday night. The American Piano Quartet consists of Douglas Humphreys, Paul Pollei, Jeffrey Shumway and Mack Wilberg. Paul Pollei also gives the keynote address for the conference. Other presenters include Suzanne Dastrap, Lila Steward, Cynthia Richards, and the BYU faculty brass quintet. Portions of the conference take place on the Brigham Young University campus, with teachers listening in to the nationally-broadcast KTV III Video- conference, sponsored by the Baldwin Piano Company. 1989 The UMTA Conference is held October 19-20 at the University of Utah Union Building, Salt Lake City, with Willard Palmer of Alfred Publishing, guest clinician, and Faina Lushtak, guest artist. Other presenters include: Dr. Barbara W. Smith, Diane Hardy, Carolee G. Eriksson, Ann Bogdanich,

Stephen Richins, and Dave Eskridge. Commissioned composer Dean Madsen premieres his work, Meditation One, with Gary Amano and Betty Beecher on pianos, and soprano Bonnie Slade. State Auditions winners (Performance Competition) featured in a recital at the convention are: Kierstin Wendel, organ; Kristen Lott, junior high woodwind; Tamami Honma, junior high piano; Amy Steenblik, junior high strings; Christie Perry, high school piano; Angela Parkinson, high school woodwinds; and Martha Albrecht, Collegiate Piano. Southwest Division auditions held in January, 1989, in Santa Clara, CA., yield 5 UMTA students advancing to the nation convention auditions in Wichita, Kansas the following April: Christian Smith, bassoon, BYU, college division; Bryce Mecham, trombone, BYU, college division; BYU Philharmonic Trio, college chamber music. Christie Peery, high school division piano; and Angela Parkinson, flautist, high school division. 1990 Junior Bachauer Piano Competition Senior Division is won by Tamami Honma of Logan, student of Gary Amano. UMTA is supportive of the Bachauer, both financially and in attendance at workshops and the competition. Tamami performs with Mormon Youth Symphony later that month at the Salt Lake Tabernacle.

1990 – 1992 UMTA President: Jenny A. Bennett, NCTM “I enjoyed traveling with my son to four national conventions while I served . . . Wichita, Little Rock, Miami and Milwaukee. One time was not so enjoyable – the drive to Las Vegas in a January snow storm for Southwest Division Finals.” – Jenny Bennett

During her tenure, President Jenny Bennet didn’t see a lot of big changes in UMTA during her tenure. She visited several chapters and enjoyed getting to know lots of people. The highlight of Jenny’s time as president was planning two state conventions. She worked at getting state convention to a couple of different areas (north and south), affording more people the opportunity to participate. Michael Ballam was the keynote speaker in Logan, with guest presenter, Nelita True. Maurice Hinson, Jane Tan, and Alexander Peskanov were the main presenters at the Cedar City UMTA convention, held during the Utah Shakespearean Festival, in August, 1991. In 1990 the MTNA National Convention is held at Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock, Arkansas, March 31-April 5; representing UMTA is Tamami Honma, MTNA Yamaha High School Auditions, piano, student of Gary Amano, who would take the top MTNA prize. The 1990 UMTA state convention is held November 9-10 at Utah State University, Logan, with Michael Ballam speaking on “The Magic of Music.” Nelita True is Guest Artist in the Friday night concert, and presents a masterclass on Saturday. Other clinicians include Gary Amano, Janet Mann, Laura G. Zisette, Betty R. Beecher, Diane Hardy, and James M. Drake. The Saturday luncheon includes a tribute to Irving Wasserman, Professor of Piano at Utah State University and Head of the Department of Music (pictured at left). 1990 UMTA/MTNA state performance competition winners were: Bill Stanley, collegiate piano; Kimberly Helton, collegiate woodwinds; Bret Cooke, collegiate brass; Troy Hunter, collegiate organ; Hensel Trio, coached by Roger Drinkall, BYU, collegiate chamber music; Trent Brown, high school vocal; Francie Lin, high school piano; April Clayton, high school woodwinds; Anne Perry, high school strings; Elena Cho, junior high piano; Sarah Brough, junior high strings; Alyson Markham, junior high woodwinds; and Ah Young Jun, pre-college organ. Composition winners are: Jason Lee Steorts, elementary; Heidi Roskelley, junior high, and Jennifer Wendel, high school. Those students who went on to win on the Southwest Division level were Sarah Brough, Trent Brown, Francie Lin, April Clayton, Bret Cooke, and the Hensel Trio from BYU. The national competition is held in Miami, Florida in April. 1991 State Convention theme is “Much ado about something – MUSIC,” and is held in Cedar City on the SUS campus August 15-17, giving members an opportunity to visit the Utah Shakespearean Festival. Guest Clinicians include Maurice Hinson and N. Jane Tan. Clinician Alexander Peskanov also performs in recital Friday evening, as well as adjudicating the first UMTA Concerto Competition held during the conference. UMTA members Susan Goodfellow and Norene Emerson also present at conference.

1992 - 1994 UMTA President: Janet Colvin, NCTM “We were in Washington, D.C. for the MTNA National Convention. Kathy Denos, Geri Cheney and I bought T-shirts for our kids. The look on the vendor’s face, when we told her we had 17 children between us, was priceless.” – Janet Colvin

During President Colvin’s tenure the highly successful Student Achievement testing program changes to AIM or Achievement in Music. Janet commissions a graphic artist to design a logo for UMTA, used currently and UMTA begins seriously operating on a budget. President Colvin contributes much to revamping the financial side of UMTA, setting up budgets and guidelines prior to spending. She also writes a procedure book, outlining the job descriptions and responsibilities of each board member. MTNA Community Outreach programs and MusicLink begin during her term of office. One of Janet’s biggest challenges was spending lots of time “getting everyone calmed down and accepting of AIM.” The State Board includes: Geri Cheney, 1st VicePresident/Convention; Irene Peery, Vice President/Auditions; Marilee Evans, Recording Secretary; Lela Benson, Correspondence Secretary, Sheerie Summers, Treasurer; Lezlee Bishop, Membership; Jenny Bennett, Immediate Past President; Sandra Preysz, Newsletter Editor; Dan Harrison, Certification; Yvonne Egbert, AIM. The 1992 state conference is held at the Salt Lake Community College, Redwood Campus. Jane Bastien is Guest Clinician. Other presenters include Marjorie Janove. The new program, Achievement In Music, quickly called A.I.M., is unveiled to much discussion. The 1993 Conference is held October 8-9 at Shepherd Union building at Weber State University, Ogden, with the theme, “You can make a Difference.” Convention clinicians include Dennis Alexander, University of Montana; Helen Walker-Hill, University of Wyoming; and Diana Page, Weber State University. Convention artists are Lenora Ford Brown and the Mu Phi Epsilon Piano Quartet. Jeff Manookian presents his commissioned piece, Twelve Etudes for the Intermediate Pianist. Rulon Christiansen presents an introduction to organ workshop at Church of the Good Shepherd, and Carolee Eriksson and her students, Novita Chapter, present on exciting teaching ideas. A concerted effort is made to acquaint members with the new AIM program with workshops during the convention. Geri Cheney is Convention chair.

1994 – 1996 UMTA President: Geri Cheney, NCTM “Serving as State President was a great honor. It was exciting to witness the high quality teaching that is being done in this state first hand, a pleasure to meet so many very fine teachers. I have learned from you, and love our profession. The opportunity to give back is something we all must do, even in small ways, so that our organization will continue to be strong for the teachers and consequently the students of our state.” – Geri Cheney

To offset the costs of State Competitions, President Cheney and her board initiate the Performance Evaluations Program. The program is designed to bring recognition to excellent teachers and students who would probably not participate in State competitions. AIM goes into full swing, overcoming many difficulties. Also, during Geri’s term, the board endeavors to educate teachers about the benefits of the Aim program and carries on a statewide campaign to publicize those benefits. They are successful in having good numbers which offset the previous losses. Utah Music Teachers Association is “incorporated,” preparing the way for future status changes. Group health insurance benefits are made available to members. The Utah Music Teacher begins quarterly publications. State Officers include Debra Gamero, 1st Vice President/President-Elect; Mary Louise Beckstrand, 2nd Vice President/Competitions; Coila Robinson, Recording Secretary/ Historian; Beverly T. Nelson, Corresponding Secretary; Sherrie Summers, Treasurer; and Lezlee J. Bishop, Membership. The 1994 UMTA state convention is held November 11-12, at the Salt Lake Hilton Hotel. The Theme, “Music Through the Ages,” addresses the periods of music, with presentations addressing each period.

Presenters include: James Prigmore, Diana Page, Doug Bush, Solveig Madsen, Bonnie Gritton, Harrison Powley, Ardean Watts, and Henry Wolkin. Musica Reservata, a group of musicians from Logan who specialized in performing on ancient instruments are the featured Convention Artists Friday evening at Cathedral of the Madeleine, Salt Lake City. Joan Reist, President, MTNA, is a special guest in attendance. The 1995 State Convention is held November 3-4, at the Salt Lake Salt Palace Exhibition Center, Salt Lake City. “Teaching All The Ages, All The Stages” provides sessions on working with beginning to advanced students. Donna Kline, guest clinician, lectures on Olga Samaroff, Master Teacher of all Ages (Solveig Madsen’s teacher). Other presenters include: Marilee Flint Evans, Kathryn Sims, Mary Gae George, JoAnn Ottley, Daniel C. Harrison, Kathryn Brough, Gail Kopetz, Sandra Arnold Peterson, and Jim Kurschner. Convention Artists are Jean Bradford, violin, Ellen Bridger, cello, and Barlow Bradford, piano, with the concert at Assembly Hall on Temple Square. During 1996, Mini-Conventions are held January 20, in St. George; March 2, in Price; and March 9, in Vernal. The St. George Mini-convention is held at Dunford Auditorium, Dixie College, with Geri Cheney, Sandra Peterson, and Debra Gamero presenting. The College of Eastern Utah’s Music Center is the site of the Price Mini-convention, with Debra Gamero and Sandra Peterson presenting. Geri and Sandra Arnold Peterson travel to Vernal to present a Mini-Convention to piano teachers in the area, hoping to build local membership. Funding for Mini-Conventions were partially supplied by MTNA Foundation, with UMTA having won a State Association Grant for this project.

1996 – 1998 UMTA President: Debra Gamero “I had a great time sharing hotel rooms with other teachers at National Convention and having “HI” spelled out on the floor in pizza.” - Debra Gamero

During President Gamero’s tenure extra benefits and incentives are provided for board members to attend National Convention and she continues the statewide outreach program by visiting most outlying areas with mini-conventions. It was challenging to get the whole state to feel united in UMTA and recognized the benefits of membership in UMTA-MTNA. State Officers include: Mary Louise Beckstrand, 1st Vice President/President Elect; Marilyn Anderson, 2nd Vice President/Compeitions; Shawna Maddox, Correspondence Secretary; Coila Robinson, Recording Secretary/Historian/Newsletter Editor; Sherrie Summers, Treasurer; Sandra Preysz, Membership; Elizabeth Lund, Certification Chair; Charlotte Wallace, MTNA Foundation; Zina Riches, AIM Chair; Meridee Calder, Local Association/New Member Chair; Sandra Peterson, Community Outreach-Advocate for the Arts; Heidi Alley, Concerto Jill Jensen, Performance Evaluations; Janet Colvin, IMTA; Carolee Eriksson, Student Chapters; and Diana Page, College Faculty. The 1996 State Convention is held November 15-16, at Utah Valley State College, Orem, with the theme, “Music on the Threshold of the 21st Century.” Dr. Amanda Vick Lethco is Guest Clinician speaking on the Joy of the Musical Journey and Making Music at the Piano. Other clinicians include Mary Gae George, Dr. Don Cook, Bonnie Slaughter, Debra Gamero, Judy Charles, Jon Schmidt, and Emily Hibbert. Dr. Paul Pollei works with pianists in an Ensemble Masterclass. Tom Carruth, a favorite technical figure along the Wasatch Front for some time, demonstrates the advantages of using computers in the music studio. Convention Artists are the all-time favorite American Piano Quartet, with current members, Massimiliano Frani, Paul Pollei, Jeffrey Shumway, and Mack Wilberg. A Technology Lab is set up, for use during the convention, with Roger Bishop and Randy Everett available for assistance. An Electronic Keyboard Ensemble, with Susan Cheney, Linda Clement, Donna “DJ” Croft, Laura Duncan, Leslie Hansen and Alecia Racker of the Davis Chapter presenting pieces from the Joy Carden Ensemble Library. The exhibits are in a main hallway of the college, with students enjoying the exhibits as much as the convention attendees. Honors Recitals for Performance Evaluations number 4, to handle the large number of students designated outstanding for the year. 1997 “Repertoire on Review” is the theme for the October 24-25 annual state convention, held at Salt Lake Community College, Redwood Road Campus, Salt Lake City. Guest clinician Dr. Cassandra

Carr speaks on Intermediate Piano Literature. Other presenters include: Janet Colvin, Jeff Manookian, Lorna Stapler, Jon Schmidt, Karlyen Tan, Ruth Anne Moesser, Geri Cheney, and Shivonne Cheney. Other presentations include Elizabeth Lund on Certification, Sandra Preysz on Membership record keeping, Debra Gamero on Leadership training for Local Association Presidents. Lyle Archibald, chair of SLCC Music Department welcomes the convention. Four recitals are held to honor Performance Evaluations Students. The Convention Recital, Spotlight on You.M.T.A., features members of Utah MTA, including Ralph van der Beek, piano; Jay Beck, piano/original composition; Nick and Moragh Morrison, clarinet and piano; Janis Siggard and Annette Houson, mother and daughter piano duet; Sally Sanders, piano; Susan Goodfellow and Norene Emerson, flute and piano; Jill Coon, piano; Sandra Peterson and Gaye England, piano duo, Laura Blatner, pianist; Percy Kalt violin, and Dan Harrison, piano. MTNA National Conference is held in Dallas, Texas

1998 – 2000 UMTA President: Mary Louise Beckstrand, NCTM “I don’t know that I aspired to change or improve our organization – I just wanted to leave office with the organization as financially and structurally strong as it was when I took office.” - Mary Louise Beckstrand

One of the major changes to occur during Mary Louise Beckstrand’s presidency was a modification of the UMTA Constitution and By-laws, to be accepted under MTNA’s 501(c)(3) umbrella – a non-profit tax status saving the organization tax money. With her state board’s approval, the cost of state convention is lowered to $25.00 so more teachers could afford it. As a result, record numbers of members register and attend UMTA state conference. As one of the first UMTA presidents to participate in the national MTNA Leadership Summit event, Mary Louise holds Summit Leadership meetings on the state level for incoming chapter officers and state board members. She also develops a Chapter President Handbook, and asks for yearly chapter reports as well. Mary Louise is determined to get the first website for UMTA going, www.utahmta.org. with the help of her son. A webmaster would eventually be under contract; after a virus causes problems with the website, a new webmaster would be hired. The teacher recognition program is put in place and teachers are honored for 10, 20, 30, and 40, year membership at the annual UMTA conference banquet. One of President Beckstrand’s major challenges was to get members to contribute time, talents and energy to the organization, many teachers don’t feel they have the time to accept any assignments or leadership opportunities. The 1998 UMTA State Convention is held October 23-24, at University of Utah in the Olpin Student Union Building. Robert Vandall is Guest Clinician, speaking on “Student Savers in A Minor,” “Memorization Techniques,” and “Creating the Perfect Ensemble” (working with numerous F.A.I.M. students to polish some of Vandall’s duets and trios). Other presenters include Mary Kay Harper and a Teacher Pedagogy Panel of Shivonne Cheney, Susan Duehlmeier, Nancy Lamb Guymon, and Carmen Hall; Laura Zisette discussed Successful Adjudication techniques; other presenters included Jack Ashton, Joan Brinton, Gail Kopetz; Paula Manwaring; Pat Graham, Sandra Peterson, and Laurisa Ward. The International Children’s Choir sings a program of music on Friday evening. Gary Ingle, MTNA Executive Director was in attendance as a special guest. The 1998 MTNA National Conference was held earlier in the year in Nashville, Tennessee. 1999 MTNA is granted 501 (c)(3) status by the Internal Revenue Service, March 18;as a state affiliate, UMTA would soon qualify for the same status. The MTNA National Conference is held in Los Angeles, California. The UMTAState Convention is held October 22-23, at Shepherd Union Building, Weber State University, Ogden, with special guest, Catherine Rollin. Catherine speaks on “Spotlight on Style: and “Insights into the Score through the Eyes of a Composer.” Other presenters include: Barbara Ellison, Alexander Peskanov, Sandra Peterson, Nancy Allred, Wendell Hurst, Diana Page, Carolee Eriksson, Jill Jensen, and Phillip Keveren. A Workshop by Virginia Campbell and Summerhays Music demonstrates working with digital pianos in the studio.

The 2000 MTNA Conference is held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with Adam Reed Neilson, student of Gary Amano, winning MTNA Collegiate Piano Competition, making history as first recipient of the prize of a Steinway grand piano.

2000 – 2002 UMTA President: Lezlee Bishop, NCTM, “To me, UMTA is a wonderful synthesis of dear people and beautiful music. What could make me happier than to be in a position to serve both of these things that I love?” - Lezlee J. Bishop

With the assistance of a dynamic UMTA state board who represented many different areas of the state, President Bishop works to help UMTA members feel appreciated in whatever way they serve, and she visits many chapters to talk about teaching ideas. She recognizes people who make a difference in their chapters and discusses issues confronting UMTA. Along with the challenge of maintaining membership, Lezlee encourages college students to participate in the UMTA Student Teacher of the Year program, and certifying as soon as they graduate. Increasing the profile of UMTA programs in the community is important as well. MusicLink becomes independent of MTNA, and the UMTA state board chooses to continue the program as it offers an opportunity for Utah teachers to assist in the teaching of students who are financially challenged. A new certification program is instituted by MTNA, including testing on a common body of knowledge, teaching experience and performance. At this time, a new MTNA constitution and bylaws is made necessary because of the changes that 501(c)(3) status brings about. With Catherine Thacker at the helm of AIM, we create new ways to make the testing program more flexible. The choice of participating in all 6 areas or choosing “clusters” gives more students the opportunity to participate as their needs and abilities demand. Teachers are invited to share their teaching aids and materials to make the program more accessible to more teachers. The program becomes more exciting and valuable with the addition of special medallions with the AIM logo, given annually to students who complete the 6 areas of the level. More activities and opportunities, and scholarship programs are created for FAIM students. Teachers are honored for their support of the program, with awards of AIM Novice Teacher of the Year and AIM Veteran Teacher of the Year. The addition of a President’s Roundtable after each state board meeting is made. This valuable time provides a forum for chapter presidents to express views, successes and problems they are having in their local areas with the state president and each other. It allows for discussion and networking that is not possible during the formal state board meeting. The Tooele chapter is re-established and the website is expanded under the continuing direction of Carol Burggraaf. The 2000 UMTA State Convention is November 10-11, at Utah Valley State College, Student Center, Orem, with Marvin Blickenstaff as Guest Clinician. “Musical Gems for a New Millennium” include “How children learn – a guide for the piano teacher,” with Marvin Blickenstaff, who also presents on Effective Interpretation, and the Joy of Group Teaching; Music, Mind and Body, presented by Dr. Bruce Saperston; Carolee Eriksson speaks on working with pre-school age children; Laurisa Ward Cope speaks on incorporating jazz styles and techniques in the studio; DJ Croft demonstrates various MIDI Technology; Mary Gae George discusses musical understanding through creativity; Russell Sorenson discusses piano care and repair; with college students Carrie Christensen (UofU), Jeff Francom (USU), Jennie Milstrup Maring (WSU), and Daniel Olsen (BYU) presenting a session on Learning to teach and Teaching to Learn. The Convention Recital features the winners of the recent Performance Competition. The UMTA state convention for 2001 was held October 19 and 20 at Weber State University, in the Shepherd Student Union building. Nelita True was Convention Clinician. The theme is “Light the Torch: Teaching with Excellence to Develop the Whole Musician,” in anticipation of the Salt Lake Olympics taking place in a few months. Kevin Olson, representing FJH Music Company, presents a publisher’s show case as well as a presentation on encouraging students to compose. Catherine Thacker, AIM Chair,

gives tips on preparing for AIM. Susan Duehlmeier speaks on Improvisation in the Classical Period. Cindy Henderson presents on financially organizing your studio. Eugene Watanabe speaks on Performance Anxiety – understanding and strategies for dealing with it. A Pedagogy Forum giving ideas for themed recitals is presented by Geri Cheney, Coila Robinson, and Carol Burggraff. Carolee Eriksson teaches about working with Teenagers. Shi Hwa Wang speaks on teaching violin. College Student Panel of Laurisa Ward Cope, Angela Ford, Daniel Olsen, Hope Holder, and Say Eow Quah discuss how to become a UMTA Student Teacher of theYear. Sandra Peterson speaks on successful recitals. A handout included in the registration packet, prepared by Lezlee, lists a chronology of UMTA 1956-2001, which would become the core of the 2006 history project.

2002 – 2004 UMTA President: Yu-Jane Yang, NCTM “When I started my doctoral study at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1988, there was a world map hanging on the wall in our tiny Teaching Assistants’ office. On the map was a prominent sentence: ”Ten years from now, where will you be?” At that time, even in my wildest dreams, I could not have imagined that one day I would serve as a State President of UMTA! In fact, it was exactly ten years later in 1998, at the invitation of Mary Louise Beckstrand, that I began my eight-year commitment with the UMTA state board (UMTA 2nd Vice President/State Competitions 1998-2000, 1st Vice President/State Conferences 2000-2002, President 2002-2004, Immediate Past President 2004-2006). The priceless experiences and skills I have learned during these years and the memorable friendships I have gained with so many UMTA members will be treasured forever. This eight-year journey has become one of the most significant landmarks in my life. “Now, we celebrate the 50-year Anniversary of UMTA! UMTA is a teachers’ organization. We belong to UMTA because we all have a great desire to become the best teachers we can be. Let us continue to discover new ways to assess our teaching and find room for our growth as teachers. Let us foster a love of music in every one of our students through building their essential competency, developing their artistry, cultivating their curiosity, designing fun yet purposeful learning activities, and providing the proper tools for them to create beauty through music making! This world has become a better place because of your passion to share the beauty of music through teaching and your willingness to invest your time and effort in serving your fellow UMTA members at various state or local events. Let us carry forth this legacy to create another fifty successful years of UMTA history! —Yu-Jane Yang

During President Yang’s tenure, a College Faculty Chair is added to the board, with Dr. Scott Holden, B.Y.U., serving, to bring the various faculties together to work together. Workshops will be scheduled at one institution with clinicians, with invitations extended to the other institutions to attend. The Heber Valley Chapter is reestablished in the spring of 2004, with 6 members. The Southwest Division President during this time is Geri A. Cheney, NCTM, of UMTA’s Davis Chapter. The 2002 MTNA National Conference is held in Cincinnati, Ohio. Board members attending conference take time to tour the national offices. Dr. Yu-Jane Yang presents a session on teaching teenagers, working with them and gearing their lessons for success and accomplishment, sharing experiences of members of UMTA. She will present this topic at the UMTA conference in 2004, after completing her presidency. At the MTNA Performance Competitions held concurrently with the national conference, the Junior High School Woodwinds Performance Competition winner is Alison Hazen, flautist, student of Cindy Henderson, Weber State University faculty. The 2002 UMTA conference is held at Gardner Hall, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, with Dr. Martha Hilley, Guest Clinician, and Guest Artists, piano duo Bonnie Gritton and Susan Duehlmeier. Conference chair is Cheryl Norman. “Empowerment through Continuing Education” involves topics ranging from organ study to technic, composing, preventing injuries, using the internet, French Piano music of Severac, Kindermusik, AIM, and teaching adults. Clinicians include: Linda Margetts, Dr. David Hatch, Sally Sanders, Jon Schmidt, Eila Cagle, Sharon De Paula, Dr. Paul Pollei, Julee Kowallis, Dr.

Margaret Otwell, Barry Rishton, and Catherine Thacker. Showcases by Hal Leonard, Daynes, Jane Calder, Summerhays Music, Trail Creek Systems, Music ART, Judy’s Music, June Christensen, and Bountiful Music. The first AIM Novice and Veteran Teachers of the Year are awarded to Katrina Gabittas, Provo-Orem Chapter, Novice teacher; and Debra Gamero, Sandy Chapter, Veteran teacher. Carrie Christensen is named Student Teacher of the Year. The 2003 MTNA National Conference is held at the Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, March 15-19. Utah Symphony Artistic Director, Keith Lockhart delivers an address at Awards Banquet. Opening address of the Conference at Symphony Hall is delivered by Dr. Irene Peery-Fox, Provo-Orem Chapter, followed by a concert performed by the Five Browns, siblings and former students of Dr. Peery-Fox and currently attending Juilliard School of Music. Dr. Peery-Fox is named a MTNA Foundation Fellow, the first from Utah to be named. Included in the presentations are tours and demonstrations of the Tabernacle Organ. Side-trips offered to members before and after the conference include a tour of Peter Prior’s violin- making shop; Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearsal on Thursday evening; and a trip to Park City to visit Olympic venues and the shopping outlets. President Yu-Jane is consulted for information concerning local facilities, etc. and Lezlee Bishop coordinates monitors for the sessions. The wonderful response of Utah teachers and other MTNA members to help with monitoring set a very high standard for participation for a single national conference. During the MTNA Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah MTA member, Denise Allen, is awarded the MTNA-Piano Technicians Guild Foundation Grant. Starting in 2003, UMTA Concerto winners are featured in a winner’s concert at Assembly Hall at Temple Square, Salt Lake City on March 28. The 2003 UMTA state conference is held Nov. 7-8 at the Department of Music, Brigham Young University, Provo, and sponsored by the Department of Fine Arts, with Dr. Stephen Jones coordinating with UMTA Conference Chair Cheryl Norman. UMTA Conferences increased in attendance, with approx. 350 attending the conference held at BYU. “Tapping the Creative Core” begins with Dr. Jones giving the keynote address. The guest clinician is Dr. Randall Faber, giving 4 presentations over the two days of the conference. Conference artists are The American Piano Quartet, performing in the Museum of Art. Other conference presenters include: Dr. Jones, Mack Wilberg, Laurisa Ward Cope, Willie Myette, Molly Wilhelm, Cindy Henderson, Jeff Shumway, Carmen Hall, Don Cook, Catherine Thacker, David Chamberlin, Ralph van der Beek, Angie Carlson, Irene Peery-Fox, and Amanda Nixon. The first Legacy Awards are awarded to Solveig Madsen, Salt Lake Chapter; and Kathryn Brough (posthumously). AIM Teachers of the Year are awarded: Veteran teacher: Zina Riches, Davis Chapter (and former UMTA AIM chair); and Novice teacher: Cassandra Broadhead, Sandy Chapter.Student Teacher of the Year is Janelle Terkelson Peterson, of Weber State University. 2004 – Southwest Division Composition winners: Elementary First Place – In A World of Flowers That No One Ever Saw, composed by Maurissa Jane Weight, student of Laurisa Ward Cope, Sandy and Heber Valley Chapters; Junior High First Place: Lost at Sea Sonata composed by Hayley Kae Weight, student of Laurisa Ward Cope, Sandy and Heber Valley Chapters; and Senior High 2nd Place – Allegro for Violin and Piano, composed by Chad R. Cannon, student of Jack Ashton, Salt Lake Chapter. The 2004 MTNA Conference is held in Kansas City, Missouri, March 27 – 31, national winners from Utah include High School Woodwinds – Alison Hazen, flautist, student of Cindy Henderson; and High School Piano – Brandon Lee, student of Gary Amano, Northern Chapter/Utah State University (this is Brandon’s 5th time at MTNA Competitions, representing UMTA and Southwest Division). Also Jade Adele Weight, student of Laurisa Cope, earns 3rd prize in MTNA Student Composition – Elementary level. At 2004 National Conference, Southwest Division President, Geri Cheney (UMTA Davis Chapter) presents a panel discussion on volunteerism, concerned with involving more members in the running of the organization. Two members of UMTA win elections to MTNA offices: Geri Cheney is elected to the MTNA Board of Advisors, and Lezlee Bishop is elected MTNA Southwest Division President-Elect. The UMTA Concerto is held February 27-28 at Baldassin Performance Pianos, North Salt Lake. The Winners Recital is held at Assembly Hall at Temple Square on March 10. Judging Intern is JD Adams, Weber State University. Event is chaired by Amanda Nixon, with co-chairs Susan Goodfellow, Instrumental and Dr. Tien-Ni Chen, Piano

2004 – 2006 UMTA President: Cheryl Norman, NCTM “I was a public school teacher for a number of years before becoming an Independent Music Teacher. When I made the switch (after becoming a Mom), I sought a professional music organization for private piano teachers and was introduced to UMTA by Elaine Hadfield, founder of the Timpanogos Chapter in my area. Since I had certified in four states as a school teacher, I just assumed I should Certify in UMTA. I did, and have been able to attend monthly Chapter meetings, State Board and Conference Meetings, and MTNA Meetings. My teaching has become better with each meeting, my circle of friends are primarily music teachers, and I stay young in spirit with the special association that I have with the youth who are my music students. “THANKS UMTA for giving me the best opportunities in my world of music. My small pay-back to my musical friends has been to serve as your State President for the past 2 years.” Sincerely, Cheryl Norman, NCTM

President Norman begins her term with an emphasis on retaining membership, as well as gaining new members, with a professionally designed pamphlet to be made available to stores for display. MTNA would also supply MTNA promotional materials to stores. During Cheryl’s term, Certification continues to be emphasized with many teachers completing certification requirements. In 2005, a compact disc of music played by NCTM’s is made available to the membership, with a follow-up CD to be released in 2006. Certification Chairman Emily Jorgensen, NCTM, organizes study guides, and cheers those working on towards certification. Nineteen teachers complete the program by early 2006, a large proportion of the certifying teachers nation-wide. Following the lead of MTNA, UMTA widens its use of the internet, thus saving paper and mailing costs. On the website: the membership is kept updated; teacher referral on the homepage, found by listing zip code, instrument, or last name of teacher; state newsletter; forms for various programs. A printed directory containing basic information and members’ phone numbers is mailed to all members. The state newsletter would be available online beginning with the March, 2005 issue, with only the conference issue printed and mailed to members. Emails sent by the President and other officers include Board Meeting minutes, agendas, and reminders for upcoming meetings, as well as last minute reminders for deadlines for conference registration, etc. Cheryl implements a Chapter Presidents’ full day retreat in May, with training on using the website, as well as information on state programs and presenters. Cheryl introduces “leadership tools” which help her conduct more organized state meetings. Cheryl also serves as Chairman of MTNA State Presidents’ Advisory Committee, elected in the Spring of 2005, presiding over meetings in Cincinnati in September, 2005, and in Austin, March, 2006. She gives a PowerPoint presentation on Certification at the 2006 MTNA conference in Austin. Cheryl organizes and handles the UMTA contributions to Hurricane Relief Fund, by encouraging members to contribute with both money and teaching materials: she ships the contributions to Louisiana and Mississippi MTA’s, for teachers returning to teaching, after recovering from damage caused by Hurricane Katrina, fall of 2005. AIM packets are made available in levels, organized by Carolyn Oldham, AIM committee. Fees were adjusted to turn into state treasury, with money returned to chapters to pay their judges and other necessary expenses. UMTA would continue to pay for medals, certificates, photocopying expenses, and administrating materials for region and chapter testing. 2004 Southwest Division is held in Hawaii, with Brandon Lee representing Utah in High School piano competition, wins division, and he advances to national. The 2004 UMTA Conference is held October 16-17, at Salt Lake Community College, Larry H. Miller Campus, Sandy, Utah, with guest clinician Dennis Alexander. Lynda Broadbent chairs the event, “Keys to Unlock Your Musical World.” Other clinicians include: Bryce Rytting, Debra Hadfield (from Texas, South Central Division Chair), Jon Schmidt, Dr. Jon Skidmore, Emily Jorgenson, Jay Beck, Cindy Hartley, Sharolynn Aston, Dr. Bonnie Gritton, Keith Snell, Amanda Nixon, Dr. Yu-Jane Yang, Barbara Elison, Lori Edwards, and Kerry Murry, Dr. Kevin Olson, Rick Baldassin, and Dr. Scott Holden.

Publishers showcases featured Kevin Olson, FJH Music, and Keith Snell, Kjos Publications. Conference Artists are Drs. Jeff Shumway and Del Parkinson, duo-pianists, who also present on duo-piano music of Sergei Rachmaninoff. The 2005 UMTA conference is held 3-4 November, at the Salt Lake Community College Miller Campus, Sandy, with guest clinician Gail Smith presenting sessions on the music of Fanny Mendlessohn, in honor of her 200th birthday. E. L. Lancaster, Dr. Daniel Olsen, Mary Gae George, Carole Flatau, Diane Hardy, and others were also presenters. Lynda Broadbent again chairs the conference. Friday evening concert features young rising stars, John Sargeant, Jonathan Bowman, and Brandon Stewart, all award- winning pianists. 2006 Southwest Division Performance Competitions are held in Las Vegas, Nevada, with UMTA students taking many of the competitions: Junior Woodwind: Helen McGarr (Laurel Maurer); Senior Woodwind: Gabriella Roderer (Cindy Henderson); Senior Piano: Joshua Wright (Susan Duehlmeier); Young Artist Woodwind: Susan Croft (Jaren Hinckley); Young Artist Brass: Dan Barrett (Will Kimball); Young Artist Piano: Jonathan Bowman, (Scott Holden); Young Artist String: Benjamin Chan (Monte Belknap); Chamber Music: BYU Honors Brass Quintet, Brigham Young University, comprised of Jason Bergman, Randy Lee, Robert Davis, Adam Bean, and Daniel Barrett (Will Kimball, coach). MTNA National Conference Performance Competitions are held March 25-27, in Austin, TX, with Helen McGarr and Gabriella Roderer winning their competitions, with Joshua Wright taking 3rd in his. Utah MTA charter member, Dora Curtis, Ogden Chapter, is honored at National Conference with a certificate and pin for 50 years of membership. An unusual event takes place at conference – a power outage, which shuts down the conference Sunday afternoon for several hours, and paralyses the Hilton Hotel, where most attendees are staying. The 2006 Concerto Competition winners perform March 8, 2006 at Assembly Hall, Temple Square, Salt Lake City. Performers include: Trenton His-Yu Chang, Krissy Bentley, Mary Nelson, Emilee Naylor, and Amanda Child.

2006 – 2008 UMTA President: Lynda Broadbent 2006 – November 10-11, the State Conference celebrates 50 years of Utah Music Teachers Association, with “Hats off to UMTA.” Dr. Kevin D. Olson, a Utah native, presents his work, Concerto Bravo, commissioned for the celebration, premiering during the conference. The Conference, held at Larry H. Miller Conference Center, Sandy for a third year, was organized by Dr. Lynn Dean, UMTA 1st Vice President and Conference Chair. Melody Bober is the Guest Clinician; other clinicians include Dr. Paul Stewart, MTNA President, Dr. Kevin Olson, Dr. Paul Pollei, Dr. David Glenn Hatch, Dr. Jeffrey Shumway, Dr. Nancy Allred, Dr. YuJane Yang, Dr. Scott Holden, Dr. Susan Duehlmeier, Laurisa Ward Cope, Karlyen Tan, Karen Haughey, Emily Jorgensen, Sheri Aston, Hope Holder, Carmen Hall, Virginia Folsom Merla Little, Carolee Eriksson, Cheryl Norman, Coila Robinson, and Shawna Gottfredson. Friday evening’s concert is presented by outstanding students of UMTA members. 2006- MTNA reorganizes Division leadership, eliminating one level of leadership, with officers now elected as Director-Elect, then MTNA Southwest Division Director. Lezlee Bishop, NCTM (Salt Lake Chapter), formerly Southwest Division President-Elect, wins election to become Southwest Division Director-Elect. Geri Cheney, NCTM, MTNA Director (Davis Chapter), steps down at the end of her term in 2006, as one of the last to serve as Division President-Elect and President, and MTNA Director, a total of 6 years. She is asked to run for MTNA 2nd Vice President.